Something in the Water

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:4-11)

The book of Mark begins with this story…the story of John and of Jesus’ baptism.

John, like the prophets of the Old Testament, was preaching about repentance. Repentance. Not just asking for forgiveness, but having a change of heart so that one turns from, stops, doing something. It’s an internal change that results in a change of behavior…not the other way around.

Do you know people who have tried to make changes in their lives…only to fall back into old habits and fail miserably? Behavioral change is hard…maybe impossible…without a change of heart.

It’s New Year’s resolution time again. It’s a time when people reflect on their lives and determine that they will make changes for a fresh start in the new year. And we all have changes we want or need to make. However, most of us will not be very resolute.

Although we want different outcomes, we won’t have the deep change of heart that is needed to make lasting and meaningful change. We may chase an ideal by trying to eat less and exercise more, but unless there is an internal change to be a healthy person, we will not succeed. If we have internalized (whether consciously or not) that food makes us happy, secure, and whole (or alcohol, or gambling, or drugs, or sex, or fame, or spending), our battle against our vice cannot be won.

In fact, I would argue that only God can provide that change of heart. Only God can provide the happiness, security, and wholeness that we are seeking.

For many people, that change of heart comes through a crisis.

Although I do not believe that God causes bad things to happen, I do believe that God uses those things we see as bad or evil to help shape us when they do happen. After all, we are told in the book of Romans that “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Each of the vices I mentioned earlier can lead to such a crisis…not at God’s doing, but at our own. For example, overeating can lead to multiple life-threatening health problems. Drinking can lead to bad choices as well as internal physical damage. Gambling and spending can lead to deception, thievery, and bankruptcy. The list goes on and on.

Allow me to give you an example.

I have a dear friend who sought happiness through the party scene. Although he was married and had children, he was a drug user and alcohol abuser. These two vices often impaired his ability to make good decisions. And when he made a bad decision, he would turn back to drugs and alcohol for the comfort, happiness, and wholeness that he knew he needed.

He lost his wife and his children through divorce. It finally came to a head when he was in a nearly fatal accident while under the influence. But God met my friend in this crisis. God nurtured him through this crisis. And, ultimately, God changed his heart.

I’m not going to say it was easy. It wasn’t. But the change he experienced was so deep and so strong, that he was able to truly repent. And he has been blessed.

My friend remarried. His relationships with his ex-wife and his children have been repaired. Not only does he serve others through his church, but many lucky foster children also call him “Daddy”. And he praises God daily and publicly for all of these things. 

This man repented with true repentance. There was a change in his heart that led to a change in his life. Lasting change.

However, not all crises that we go through are our fault. Sometimes we must deal with a crisis brought on by someone else’s bad decisions. And, sometimes, in this fallen world, bad things just happen—illness, natural disasters, accidents, etc.

But when we find ourselves coping with the devastation of a crisis, self-inflicted or otherwise, God uses the situation to lead us to repentance. He uses it to change us internally, to change our hearts.

Let me give you another example.

Recently some friends of mine lost their daughter in a car accident. Don and Renee Beesley’s daughter, Montana, was ripped from their family. It was no one’s fault. There were no drugs or alcohol involved. Montana and her family loved God, served God, were involved in their church, and spoke openly about Jesus Christ.

And yet, here they were, the father, mother, and two younger sisters, facing a crisis…the worst nightmare of any parent.

But remember that verse from earlier: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” How in the world could God use this for good?

I remember praying for Don and Renee. I remember praying that God would give them strength and help them respond in a way that would bring glory to Him. And this is exactly what they did.

They celebrated their daughter’s life and her deep faith. They praised God for the gift of her life. They thanked Him for the lessons that she taught them in 15 short years about being strong and persistent and faithful. She had introduced Christ to so many throughout her life.

I talked to Renee, Tana’s mom, last night. She shared this with me.

“She touched more lives than we ever knew, she once told us that she probably knew someone in every town from Hugoton to Wichita and we laughed at her; but after over 1,200 people came to remember her, we figured she might have been right.

"I have had young people message me that live in Wichita. One said she knew what kind of person Tana was and she wanted to get right with the Lord, so I set her up with my sister in Wichita and they went to church together. Another girl I don't know Facebook messaged me and said she went out to the cemetery and had a long talk with Tana and gave her life to the Lord.

"Just four nights ago at midnight I received a Facebook message from a high school boy who had overdosed and was so sad until he heard singing and followed and he saw Montana. He said she saved his life.

"One day we were shopping in brass buckle and Tana noticed the young man helping us was cutting himself so she talked with him about how much God loved him. He was an atheist, but she assured him God loved him and she cared about him. I went in there earlier this week and he remembered her and we visited about their conversation and I noticed his cutting scars were healed.”

Have you ever seen an alter call at a funeral? I haven’t. But these parents asked for one. The church was packed, as Renee indicated, and so many came up to give their lives to Christ during the service that those in attendance couldn’t keep count. This young lady brought more people to Christ in death than most of us will throughout our lives.

God used this crisis for repentance. He used this crisis to change hearts. I was brought to tears by the realization that even these Christ-loving, God-fearing parents were brought to repentance. Listen to Renee’s words:

“We miss Tana more than we can express, but for the first time I understand ‘God's peace that passes all understanding’ and I also understand this world is not my home.  I have loved this world a little too much, but now I feel unfastened and can't wait for my whole family to be together in heaven soon. We are assured every day that Tana’s life and death were not in vane as God continues to use her even through her passing.”

This is what John preached about…change, real change. Baptism was not something new. Baptism had been around for a while and was symbolic of cleansing and a clean, new beginning. But John preached of a baptism of repentance.

And Jesus came. Jesus came…and was baptized. Was he repentant? He was sinless! Wasn’t this unnecessary and irrelevant?

No. Nothing Jesus did was unnecessary or irrelevant. According to theologians, Jesus had four necessary and relevant reasons for being baptized by his cousin, John.

First, it was a moment of decision.

Jesus was somewhere around 30 years old. Although we don’t know much at all about those young years, we do know that he was trained as a carpenter and had stayed in Nazareth…working at a normal daily job but surely knowing that He was called to more. So he waited for that sign the he knew would come that would lead him out into the world.

That sign was John. When Jesus chose to go to John, the very man who was preaching of his imminent arrival, he made his decision.

Secondly, it was a moment of identification.

By coming forward in John’s movement, Jesus identified himself with the movement. He identified himself with the need for repentance and baptism. He identified himself with the Godward movement of the people.

And this was also a moment of approval.

Jesus had left his home…everything he knew and everyone he loved. Although we know that he was fully God on earth, we must remember that he was also fully human.

If you had left your family, your job, your hometown, and were out on your own trying to do what you felt you were called to do…wouldn’t you be terrified? Can you imagine the questions he must’ve had: How will I eat? Where will I sleep? Who will love me? Will I be safe? Will my mother and siblings be okay without me there?

Jesus did not take the decision lightly. He must have felt very strongly about his decision. But even when we feel compelled, even when we feel certain, there is always that little bit of doubt and fear that eat at us.

Well, if Jesus was fighting that last little bit of doubt and fear, God put that to rest when he told him, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Listen to those words again. God spoke to Jesus…not to the crowd, not to John, not to the world. These words were spoken to Jesus…a reassurance to him. “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

And, finally, this was a moment of equipment.

It was at this time, this moment, that God equipped Jesus for his ministry—“the spirit descended on him like a dove.” Like a dove.

A dove is symbolic of gentleness throughout the Bible. This simile was intentional and specific. Although John’s ministry was a message of doom, wrath, vengeance, and a consuming fire, Jesus’ ministry would be marked by gentleness.

Yes, he would conquer, but it would be a conquest of love.

Have you missed an important moment of decision in your life? Is there a decision that you need to make that you’ve been putting off? Does God keep putting that decision in front of you?

How are you identified? What movements do you support? What causes do you fight for? What behaviors do you exhibit to show the world who you are?

Whose approval do you seek? Do you need to please your friends? Your family? Your own desires? The world? Or are you seeking approval from God?

Have you discovered how you are equipped by God? What gifts and abilities has He given you for His purposes in the world? How are you using those gifts and abilities? Have you allowed the Holy Spirit to descend on to you and guide you?

I want to revisit Montana’s life for just a moment. She had made a decision to live for Christ at a very young age. And, certainly, she identified herself as a Christ-follower. A very special sign of approval from God was seen on the day of her service. You see, just as God spoke directly to Jesus one day long ago, he also spoke directly to Tana’s family through two rainbows that were evident on the clear blue day that she was laid to rest. He had equipped her to sing, to love, to reach out to people, and to serve Him in her own unique way…and she used those gifts and abilities to do just that.

Jesus’ baptism was important. It was important for him then and it is important for us today. Baptism is a sacrament. It is a mystery. It is a miracle. If you haven’t yet been baptized, I pray that you will seek and accept this wonderful gift from a God who loves you and will continue to seek and accept you.

And for those of you who have received this gift, I pray that each of you will take time to remember your baptism today…and be thankful.


Amen.

Who Gets the Glory?

Sermon 3
October 21, 2012

How many of you watch NASCAR? In our culture, NASCAR is a big deal right now…and we celebrate the winners. In fact, many people practically worship them. It’s no wonder that pride is such an issue in our culture. But is it a new issue? Not at all. Even the disciples struggled with pride.

Mark 10:35-45 tells us that James and John asked, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.” But this is actually (at least) the second time that such an issue came up. Luke 9:46 tells about this conversation among the disciples: An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest.

And, this was not the first time that these men, who wanted to be seen as great, had let Jesus down. Remember back in the boat when the storm came up and they were afraid they might drown? After angrily waking Jesus, he calmed that storm. They would also continue to let him down…falling asleep when He had asked them to keep watch at the Garden of Gethsemane and later scattering when he was arrested…even denying him.

Why in the world would they feel that they deserved glory anyway? Well, they probably felt pretty special! After all, Jesus had selected them. They had witnessed miracles and listened to Jesus teach crowds. And Jesus took the time to share with them the meanings of those parables that are complex and difficult to understand.

 Also…they had worked hard. Jesus ministry was not easy. They left their homes. They traveled and stayed with strangers. It was physically demanding. They were even given the power to heal and cast out demons. Is it a wonder that they were so proud?

 This pride is even easier to understand when you consider that it is a condition that people have battled from the beginning. Adam and Eve were easily swayed once Satan appealed to their pride. “If you want to be like God, just eat from the tree.” David, a man after God’s own heart, let his own glory and his riches lead him to sin. And Solomon, with his riches, fame, and wisdom, had everything that prideful people today still seek…but none of it gave him happiness. He admits in Ecclesiastes that “everything is meaningless.”

So how did Jesus respond to the disciples when they were arguing over their “greatness”? Well, in Luke 9:47-48, it says, “But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.’”

Why did he choose a child to make this point? Children were not valued in that culture as they are valued in our culture. By selecting this child, he was telling them to embrace even those who they perceive to have little to no value as a person. He indicated that they…that we should receive those who are “less”…then he went on to say that we should also receive him if we want to receive God. And finally, he made it quite clear that in order to be “great” and receive “glory”, we must humble ourselves.

In Mark, when James and John were seeking places of glory beside Jesus, he said, “You don’t even know what you’re asking.” He asked them, “Can you drink the cup I drink?” Well, what kind of question is that? What was Jesus’ cup? Do you remember these words from Jesus that were uttered that night in the Garden? Take a look at Luke 22:42. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus’ cup was his crucifixion.

 “Can you drink the cup I drink?” And they said, “We can.” And Jesus said, “You will.” And you know what? They did. Each of the disciples died an agonizing death for their faith in Jesus Christ.

 Next Jesus asked them, “Can you be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” What did he mean by that? Wasn’t He baptized in the water just like everyone else? Listen to this testimony from John the Baptist…the man who baptized Jesus. (John 1:29-33): “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’”

The Holy Spirit came down from heaven and remained on him. He was baptized with the Holy Spirit.

“Can you be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?” Jesus asked. “We can,” they answered. And Jesus said, “You will.” And, guess what. They did. Do you remember Pentecost? After his resurrection and ascension, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit, the Companion, to live within every believer…including James and John.

So, did Jesus grant them the places of glory they requested? Jesus told James and John that these places of honor had been prepared for specific people and he did not reveal who would be at his left and right hand.

But this conversation leaked out. I’m not sure who spilled the beans, but word got out that James and John were politicking for positions. And the other disciples were not happy. So Jesus called them together and compared them to rulers who abuse their power. Then, again, he reiterated the value of humility: “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I began today by asking you about NASCAR. Raise your hand if you’ve heard the name Darrell Waltrip.

In 1981-1982 Waltrip and his team had an amazing two-year period. They won 24 races and 2 championships. They were nearly unbeatable! And Darrell’s pride was out of control. When he would show up at the hotel in the town of the next race and was asked, “Are you here for the show?” Waltrip would answer, “No ma’am, I am the show.” In fact, Richard Petty used to say “That boy might win a lot of races and he may make a lot of money but he’ll never be Nascar’s most popular driver.” The fans hated him and even wore t-shirts that said “Anybody but Waltrip.” 

But in 1983, he hit a wall—figuratively, spiritually, and physically. He was knocked completely out and, although he raced in races and continued life as normal, he has no memory of the next couple of weeks. Then in the third week, he “woke up”. And he started searching for the Lord and soon after accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

 He was, and is, a changed man. In his video on the “I am Second” website, he says that success can’t be kept for ourselves. Jesus didn’t keep the glory for himself…he gave it to us! And he quotes the Bible when he goes on to say, “You can do all things through Jesus Christ.”

So what reward did Waltrip get for receiving Jesus, receiving God. Well, it wasn’t another championship. But he was voted most popular driver in 1989 and 1990. When he became a servant, he became great. And great was defined differently than he had anticipated. Waltrip’s advice: “Put Him first in everything you do. Give Him the glory and give Him the praise.”

Giving ourselves the glory when we are simply using gifts from God as we go through this life reveals our selfish and prideful nature. I once heard a pastor say, “Either live your life humbly or God will teach you humility the hard way.”

What about me? Who get the glory in my life?

What about you?

I challenge you to embrace someone this week who needs help just as Jesus embraced children, prostitutes, tax collectors, and others that needed help. Without giving yourself the glory, help them. Maybe that means leaving them a gift card, maybe it means mowing their law…it could just mean leaving a pick-me-up note or car wash tokens. Who is someone in your life who is in need of a servant? Then serve them…and leave an anonymous note that gives God (and not you) the glory.

Reflection on Doubt

"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"  Mark 9:24 NIV

What a relief that Jesus didn't turn away from this man...this father.

We talked tonight about doubts/questions that we have with our faith.  Some of the questions that arose were:

• Why does God allow so much pain and suffering?
• What about the "type" of baptism that I had?
• Why doesn't God answer my prayers?
• How do I know that I'm saved?  I don't always have confidence in my salvation.

As you look at the resources listed in this blog and reflect on your own life this week, think about your own doubts.  What doubts do YOU have?  Feel free to comment below.  My guess is that if you have had this doubt, so have others.  Let's get the conversation going!

Also, if you have other resources that you would like to bring to our attention, please comment and list them.

If you are uncomfortable sharing your questions/comments publicly, I have set this blog to allow anonymous posts but I will moderate all comments to make sure that our conversation stays appropriate and respectful.  After all, this is a public blog and others may be curious to see what we are discussing.  You can also email me directly if you would like me to find research to address a specific question/topic anonymously.